Streeting, Mahmood Apologize Over Hot-Mic Jokes on Prisoner Release Scheme, Drawing Tory Attack
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 22
Streeting, Mahmood Apologize Over Hot-Mic Jokes on Prisoner Release Scheme, Drawing Tory Attack
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 22
Summary
Wes Streeting and Yvette Mahmood apologized after a hot mic caught them joking about the government's early prisoner release plan while greeting new Justice Secretary Alex Norris.
In the video published by Guido Fawkes, Streeting called Norris "the enemy now" and said "he wants to let them all out," in an apparent reference to the release scheme.
Both ministers said there was "no ill intent" and described the exchange as ribbing and a moment of levity, while stressing that early prisoner release is a serious issue.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the remarks, accusing the government of joking about letting criminals out early and renewing Tory opposition to the policy.